Shower and Tub-Shower Valves

Shower and tub-shower rough-in valves: the valve body that goes in the wall before it closes, in pressure-balance, thermostatic and multi-outlet configurations.

The rough-in and the finish trim are two separate purchases, and that is deliberate — the valve can be set during construction and the finish chosen months later. It also means the two must belong to the same manufacturer family. A Moen trim will not fit a Delta body, and cartridge families change between generations within a single brand.

Pressure-balance is the code minimum in most jurisdictions: it holds the hot-cold ratio when pressure drops elsewhere, which stops the scald when a toilet flushes. Thermostatic holds the actual outlet temperature and lets you set a number, which is what a multi-outlet shower needs.

Check whether the body includes integral stops. Without them, servicing the cartridge means shutting off the whole house.

Brands include Moen, Delta, Grohe and Brizo.

Shower valve replacement

If a shower drips, runs too hot or too cold, or the handle is stiff, the fix is usually the cartridge, not the whole valve. Replace the valve body when it is corroded, leaking inside the wall, or not pressure-balanced. Staying with the same brand and valve family keeps your trim options open and can limit how much tile you need to open. Find cartridges in tub and shower repair parts, and match the finish with shower trim sets, tub-shower trim sets or thermostatic valve trims.

Need a diverter? If the shower feeds more than one outlet, see our Diverter Valves.

Frequently asked questions

What is a rough-in shower valve?

It is the valve body that is plumbed into the wall before the tile goes up. The handle and escutcheon (the trim) are bought separately and mount over it.

Pressure-balance or thermostatic: which do I need?

Pressure-balance valves keep the hot and cold mix steady when pressure changes and meet code in most homes. Thermostatic valves hold a set temperature and are the usual choice for showers with several outlets.

Which connection type should I choose?

Pick the inlet that matches your supply pipe: sweat (CC) for copper, IPS for threaded pipe, or crimp ring or cold-expansion PEX. Many Moen M-PACT and M-CORE valves are listed by connection type in the title.